Howard University running back Eden James was named on the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List, announced by the Black College Football Hall of Fame last week.
The honor places James among the top HBCU athletes to watch this season, highlighting his standout play and potential to power the Bison offense in 2025.
“It’s truly an honor, but I view it as a byproduct of my daily work and preparation,” said James. “My focus is on the process and helping the team succeed, not the accolades themselves.”
The Black College Football Player of the Year Award, created by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, recognizes excellence, leadership and impact. Each year’s winner receives the coveted Deacon Jones Trophy.
“The Black College Football Player of the Year Award honors the talent, dedication, and spirit of today’s HBCU football players,” said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. “These young men uphold a proud legacy and inspire future generations to dream bigger and to always aspire for greatness”.
James, a graduate student and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, enters the 2025 season with high expectations after steadily establishing himself as a key force in the Bison backfield.
“My dad greatly influences my approach to the game, teaching me discipline, hard work, competitiveness, and how to find small advantages,” James said.
He has already collected multiple preseason accolades, including being named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list and earning a spot on the preseason All-MEAC First Team in July.
Last season, James appeared in all 12 games, amassing 570 yards of total offense, 422 rushing and 148 receiving, while scoring three rushing touchdowns.
In the annual Truth & Service Classic, he rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against Hampton University.
Looking ahead, James is expected to play a bigger role in Howard’s offense this fall. With his combination of speed, vision and versatility, he has the tools to be the difference-maker every week.
Selections for the Watch List are made using a player’s past production and projected impact, with updates made as the season unfolds.
At the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, four finalists will be named before the Deacon Jones Trophy is awarded during halftime of the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 21 in New Orleans.
“In HBCU football, no accolade carries greater meaning than the Deacon Jones Trophy,” said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee James Harris. “Deacon’s greatness was defined not only by his dominance on the field, but by the leadership and integrity that set the standard for Black College Football.”
Howard will open its 2025 season against Florida A&M University in the Orange Blossom Classic on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Hard Rock Stadium. With James leading the charge in the backfield, the matchup will be his first chance to showcase the impact he can have on the Bison’s season.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
